Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jr. after 50 years you are still missed and loved like it was yesterday. Those of us left so appreciate your ultimate sacrifice, though we wish it had not turned out this way. Rest in peace our protector, servant and cousin.

Karen Odom
First cousin

June 25, 2022

Deputy Marshal Odom,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USAF during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 20, 2022

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 2, 2020

I never meet this officer, but I have heard many stories about him and I know he was a fine young christan man. He had chosen a job that he had loved so much that had unfortunately led to his early death. i would like to say to The Odom Family that we appreciated your husband and father for serving our parish and will always remember him for losing his life at such an early age.

Susie halley

June 23, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 21, 2015

Junior's bravery and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. His memory is always met with love, honor and respect.

Karen Odom
Cousin

February 18, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 27, 2012

It's been 40 years since we last saw you, Junior. We still love and miss you!

David Odom
Brother

June 21, 2012

You are not forgotten by the ones you love.I hope one day your widow and children will see this and see how much you are loved and missed by those who knew you.

Anonymous

January 11, 2009

I was stationed at Frances E. Warren AFB Cheyenne Wyoming in 1964 with Leroy. We were in the same Communications Squadron. He visited my home many times. A truely great guy

CMSGT USAF Retired Ralph Cade
Friend

September 3, 2008

It's been 36 long years since Jr. was taken away from us. Trying to write a reflection brings tears into my eyes because I, rather Rita and I miss and needed him so much. Mom died when I was 6, Rita was 8 and Jr was around 12. He being the oldest took on the challenge of helping Daddy with everything. And a great job he did, sometimes to the instinct to spanking me with a swith all the way from Daddys shop to home because i didnt ride the school bus home and walked to daddys shop instead. Jr. was a very caring person..one day it was hailing when it was Rita and my turn to get off the school bus. When we got to our bus stop, there was Jr. standing there with a washtub for us to get under so we could make it to the house without getting hit by the hail. Jr. was always there for us. His last week of his life, he and his wife took care of my 5 month old daughter so i could look for a job. Words cannot say how much we all depended on him, especially after Daddy died. He took on Daddys shoe repair business and worked as a police officer too. All i can say, Jr. was the best brother anyone could have. After 36 years, I still miss him as much as day 1. I will see you soon ......

Sadie Odom Craft
Sister

June 29, 2008

I was 5 years old when I was told about my brother Jr dying. I remember him as a very funny young man. As I am the "baby" of the family all the older siblings use to pick on me. I remember him holding me up side down by the ankles. He never dropped me but I sure thought he might! I'll never forget the time he & my older brothers talked me into catching a bee. That particular one stung the blazes out of me! I love & miss you Jr. You will never be forgotten. See you "over there".

Christie Odom Williamson
Sister

June 26, 2008

My brother Leroy was a great person. I was 13 years old when he was killed and remember vividly many circumstances of his life and death. He was a caring and compassionate person and had a very promising life ahead of him that was cut short. This photo was taken of him when he was serving in the U.S Air Force during the Viet Nam conflict. He was definetly a "BIG BROTHER" that has always been missed. Many things that he did with us{the children of our dads second marriage after his own mother passed away at a young age} such as take us fishing and spend time with us has meant so much through the years since he abruptly left us. Junior was such a remarkable person and left us with many fond memories. He was a strong arm that we leaned on when hard times were on us. He bore the burden well. I am looking forward to seeing you Junior in the "last best place".

David G. Odom
Brother

June 25, 2008

On June 18,1972, my mother, Sadie Odom Craft, and I left my uncles home after spending the weekend with him. When we left, my uncle was taking a nap. My mom did not wake him because she knew he worked very hard and needed the rest. Little did she know, that would have been the last time she would see her big brother alive. She still dreads this time of year and cringes every time she sees a firework tent go up. She misses her brother to the extreme and wishes he was still here. I never got the chance to get to know what a wonderful man he was because I was only 5 months old at the time. But from the stories my mom has told me, he was definitely a positive, wonderful, good hearted man that I would have enjoyed being around. I can't wait to meet you Uncle Junior!!

Virginia Craft
neice

June 21, 2008

Today my mom told me the story of the day her brother died. How she found out, who called her etc. She cried. After 36 years my sweet momma misses him as much as did the day it happened. All my life I have heard her say "I wish Junior was here to help me with you girls". She talks about missing him often but, today especially. I love him and respect him and I have never met him. I know him through what my mother has told me, and i even miss him. I love you uncle Junior, see you on the other side.

Kelly Jackson Barnhill
Neice

June 20, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 31, 2007

I never new Junior but, my Mother has told me stories my whole life about him. He was a great man and I wish that I could have met him.

JJ Futch
Cousin

July 23, 2007

May the Lord ever bless you and your loved ones.

June 20, 2007

Leroy was my second cousin and a wonderful friend. I use to spend time with Leroy, Rita and Jr when I was a child. I hope the animal that killed his rots in hell.

John L. Mulholland
MS State Personnel Board

June 18, 2005